Bob Bensley has been recognised with an OAM for services to the Inverell community, while Bob Kneipp has received one for services to both Ashford and Inverell.

Mr Bensley was in Apex, helped form the Inverell Sports Council, then served as a councillor from 1973 until 1983, serving as deputy mayor twice.

For the last 20 years he was a strong advocate for our hospital, and played a key role encouraging our leaders to improve health services.

Read our story on Bob Bensley here

For 14 years Bob Kneipp was a councillor with Ashford Shire Council, a president of Ashford Lions Club and a volunteer with the town's bushfire brigade.

Mr Kneipp was a founding member of Ashford Show Society and a former president of Ashford Pony Club. He was given life membership by both those organisations.

In Inverell, Mr Kneipp has been a volunteer with Inverell Meals on Wheels, Inverell Rotary Club, Inverell Probus and Inverell East Probus, as well as Inverell Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Read our story on Bob Kneipp here